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On a Galaxy phone with Samsung voice input enabled, the microphone on Samsung Keyboard starts dictation. The setup path, the tap behavior and the language controls vary by Android version, region and carrier, so the steps below give Samsung’s documented routes along with the variations you may see. Start by checking which voice service you are using, because the two built-in options work differently.
Two voice typing services, and which one Samsung Keyboard uses
Samsung’s Canadian support guide says that “There are two built-in voice-to-text apps on your phone: Samsung voice input and Google voice typing.” The Colombian guide adds an important limit: “Ten en cuenta que la entrada de voz de Samsung solo está disponible con el teclado Samsung.” In English, that means Samsung voice input works only with Samsung Keyboard. If you have switched to a different keyboard app, the Samsung option will not be available there.
The two services can be compared on the points Samsung’s pages address:
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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute| Point | Samsung voice input | Google voice typing |
|---|---|---|
| Where it works | Only with Samsung Keyboard | Documented as a built-in option on Galaxy devices; not tied to Samsung Keyboard in Samsung’s pages |
| Where it is switched on | Keyboard list and default, or Samsung Keyboard settings > Voice input, depending on your version | Selected through the same voice-input controls; Samsung’s pages do not give a separate step-by-step path for it |
| Language and offline setup | Language can be changed under offline voice input, and offline language packages can be installed, on some models and software versions | Not stated in the Samsung pages reviewed |
| Accuracy, privacy and language coverage | Not stated; Samsung’s support pages do not publish accuracy measurements or compare the two services | Not stated in the Samsung pages reviewed |
Turn on Samsung voice input
Samsung’s controls for choosing a voice service are not identical across phones. Two documented routes cover most cases.
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Route in Samsung’s Canadian guide
- Open Settings.
- Tap General management.
- Tap Keyboard list and default.
- Turn on Samsung voice input if it is off.
Samsung advises enabling only one voice assistant in this set of controls. Check which service is selected, and turn off any competing option you did not intend to keep on. These instructions apply to devices sold in Canada, as described in the Samsung Canada guide, updated March 28, 2026.
Route through Samsung Keyboard settings
On some devices, the choice sits inside the keyboard itself. Open Samsung Keyboard settings, then tap Voice input, and select Samsung or Google. The Colombian guide, updated August 15, 2025, describes this route.
On some Android 12 models, the same guide says a Samsung voice input switch appears on the keyboard-list screen instead. If you see that switch, use it rather than searching for the Voice input menu.
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Older Android versions
The Colombian guide includes a separate set of instructions for Android 10 and earlier. If your phone runs one of those versions, follow that section rather than the steps above.
Dictate text with the Samsung Keyboard microphone
Dictation works the same way across the routes, but the touch behavior differs between guides. Follow the microphone state shown on your screen.
- Open an app with a text field, such as Messages, so that Samsung Keyboard appears.
- Look for the microphone icon on the keyboard toolbar. If you cannot see it, expand the toolbar and look for Voice Input.
- Start dictation with the microphone. The Canadian guide describes touching and holding the microphone, while the UAE guide, How to use Samsung Keyboard features on a Galaxy phone, describes tapping it once to begin.
- Speak while the microphone is active.
- Stop with the control shown on screen. Under the Canadian instructions you release the microphone; under the UAE instructions you tap it again.
On first use, the phone may ask you to review and accept terms or grant permissions. Respond to whatever prompt appears. Samsung’s public instructions say only that terms or permissions may be requested, so do not expect a fixed list.
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Change the voice-input language
Voice-input language is separate from the language of the keyboard’s typed text. Samsung’s documentation places the voice-input language in the Samsung voice-input settings, so change it there rather than in the general keyboard language list.
- Open Samsung Keyboard settings.
- Tap Voice input.
- Select Samsung voice input as the service.
- Change the language under the offline voice input options, or install an offline language package if the option is offered.
Which languages appear, and whether offline packages can be downloaded, depends on your model and software version. Samsung’s pages do not list the languages available.
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The microphone is missing
Expand the keyboard toolbar first. Samsung notes that the microphone’s location can change with the Android version, so if you still do not see it, check the Voice input entry in Samsung Keyboard settings.
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Dictation uses the wrong service
Open Keyboard list and default and the Samsung Keyboard Voice input settings. Select the service you want, and confirm that no competing voice option is also enabled.
Dictation does not start on first use
Respond to the terms or permission prompt that the phone shows. Dictation will not start until the prompt is handled.
Recognition is poor
Samsung’s Colombian guide advises speaking in a high, clear tone. This is general guidance; the Samsung pages reviewed do not give accuracy measurements, and they do not say that any accessory will improve recognition.
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Menu names do not match this guide
Search Settings for Samsung Keyboard or Keyboard list and default. Labels differ by Android version, carrier, region and device, so the search is often quicker than following a fixed path.
Which instructions apply to your phone
The Canadian guide is written for devices sold in Canada and warns that screens may differ in other countries. The Colombian guide warns that screens and settings vary by carrier, software version and model. The UAE guide notes menu variation as well. Treat each guide as a route for its own region and software, and use Settings search if your screen differs from the steps above.
The steps here reflect the Samsung pages linked in this article, which were checked for this guide and carry the update dates shown. Newer One UI releases may move these controls again.
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